Last year The Lawrentian published a fashion column — Style, more style! The column sparked controversy among some readers for various reasons, reasons including but not limited to its tone and its frequent criticism of women wearing sweatpants. This year, we have decided to enlist Lawrentian staff members Mac Watson and J.B. Sivanich to publish another weekly column devoted to the lifestyle of Lawrentians. We hope that it will be helpful, entertaining and thought-provoking, but maybe it won’t be.
Dorm rooms are an integral part of college life. They allow students to express themselves and organize their lives. The art of arranging and decorating living spaces is called “feng shui,” referring to an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics, which “were believed to utilize the Laws of both heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive Qi,” a Wikipedia article states.
This week we ventured over to Trever Hall to visit the room of sophomores Julia Blair and Kylie Daniels, hospitable hosts and enthusiastic Feng Shui question answerers.J.B.: So, why did you guys choose to live in Trever?
Julia: Well, it’s just got this great location and a really chill and mature vibe.
Kylie: We know that many people would think that living in a Trever double might not be the coolest move for two sophomores to make, but we couldn’t disagree more. We tried to show how cool living in Trever is by making our room really cool.
Mac: Well, obviously the impression one gets when walking into your room is “cool.” Could you tell us a little bit about it?
Kylie: We have a standard, split bunk scheme. In between the end of the bunk and the closet is a nice little private area that we use to change clothes. And then on the wall opposite of the bed are our desks.
Mac: Wow, the Qi must be flowing in this room like the Yangtze River through Shanghai, because you have just named two important principles of dorm room Feng Shui. When living with a roommate, it’s important to have an area that you can be completely private in, even if it is only to change your clothes for a minute or two every day.
J.B.: Also, it’s a great idea to keep work and sleep separate, even if small dorm rooms mean that it is only a matter of a foot or six inches.
Mac: Though valuable to keep work and sleep separate, the nook dedicated to Lego and Nintendo is giving me overwhelmingly positive vibes. It’s crucial to keep a sense of mental levity, even when studying.
J.B.: So, Kylie, your roommate was bragging that you have personally made every piece of furniture in this room that is not standard-issue Lawrence University furniture?
Kylie: Well yeah, I made that one table.
Mac: That’s awesome. Kylie, have you always been interested in carpentry?
Kylie: Actually, I have, Mac. After school every day in high school I would spend a few hours in a carpentry shop, apprenticing with this carpenter who was actually the twin brother of the host of “This Old House.”
J.B.: No way. That’s awesome. He’s the brother of the guy who was like the original Ty Pennington before there was a Ty Pennigton. I also noticed that you guys like to keep a towel under your door.
Julia: Yeah, it’s kind of like a “keep the bad spirits out and the good spirits in” kind of a deal.
Mac: Is there any way that you incorporate the spirits of the environment in your room?
Julia: Well, I found that “Sixth Sense” poster in Plantz last year, so I guess you could say that I’m recycling it which is kind of environmental.
J.B.: And that Barack Obama poster you have is very Feng Shui.
Mac: But I would have to say that all that tea is the most Feng Shui thing you have in the room. Tea is the Mr. Feng Shui of beverages.